The age-old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” has definite application to commercial roofs. Keeping up on routine inspections and maintenance for your roof is the wise—and less expensive—route, while neglecting your roof will only lead to costly headaches down the road.

Flat roofs are a common type of roof found on commercial and industrial buildings. While they have their benefits, flat roofs are also prone to a common set of problems—any of which can lead to the need for premature roof replacement if ignored. Proper and proactive maintenance is essential for flat roof replacement avoidance.

Common Flat Roof Problems

Some of the most common problems associated with flat roofs include blistering; ridging; splitting; and ponding water, or water that remains on a roof for a prolonged period of time. The expense to fix these problems can add up to many thousands of dollars. If you want to avoid such costs, it is absolutely crucial that regular maintenance is performed on your roof.

To properly maintain a flat roof and help avoid some of the common problems they’re prone to developing, building owners can follow these maintenance tips:

Proper drainage: Flat roofs drain less efficiently than pitched roofs, which means they are more apt to accumulate water following storms or snow melt. If this standing water is not drained properly, it can cause significant damage to both your roof and your building interior. Installing proper drainage, like hoppers, automatic pumps, gutters and drains, can help reduce the risk of ponding water and its related damage by diverting water away from the roof.

Remove snow & debris: The accumulation of snow and debris can cause significant damage to a flat roof if it is left to sit atop the roof. When snow begins to melt or water becomes trapped beneath leaves and other debris, various problems can develop. It is important to remove snow and debris promptly. This can be done through regularly scheduling roof cleaning and debris removal and also conducting snow and debris removal following large storms.

Maintenance of trees: Any trees growing around the perimeter of your flat roof can be problematic. Overhanging branches can scratch and damage your roof in windy conditions, and leaves can also fall from trees and collect on your roof, impairing its draining ability. In general, a clearance of at least 3 feet should be maintained between tree branches and your roof.

Finding a Dependable Roofing Professional

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Roof maintenance should only be performed by a licensed and knowledgeable roofing contractor. Letting an inexperienced person work on your roof could not only cause further damage, but it can nullify your warranty.

When you’re looking for an expert to perform flat roof maintenance and repairs, the Choice Roof Contractor Group is a prime resource for finding a commercial roofer in your area.

We’re a nationwide association of roofing contractors. Each of our endorsed members has met certain qualifications in order to gain membership, such as having a good track record with customers, being fully licensed and insured, and adhering to proper business practices.

To find a verified member in your area, call (800) 670-5583 or visit the contact page of the Choice Roof Contractor Group website.

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Cami is one of the main writers at Choice Roof Contractor Group. Leveraging her unique background in the space and more than a decade of professional writing experience, she has written countless articles on the various aspects of commercial roofs and has gained the respect of building owners and contractors across the country.

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